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6 B M & T ••• July/August 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com I N T H E N E W S ONLY IN EAST POINT: 10 UNIQUE FACTS ABOUT THIS RISING STAR DESTINATION A Hub for Travel, Business, and Creativity East Point, Georgia is becoming a premier destination for leisure & business travelers, small businesses, meeting planners, reunions, film & television industry production, art venues and much more. While East Point's convenient location being just southwest of Atlanta and its proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a significant strength for this city – its rich history, cultural diversity, and vibrant community lay the foundation for a variety of unique assets and experi- ences that can only be found in East Point. Discover what makes East Point a standout destination in Georgia. Only in East Point: 10 Unique Facts About this Rising Star Destination: A DESTINATION FOR SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS: 1. Georgia's only velodrome - one of the premier facilities of its kind - is in Sumner Park. Constructed in 1974, and later playing a significant role in the 1996 summer Olympics, the Dick Lane Velodrome is a 1/5 of a mile and 36° banked con- crete track for bicycle racing. Dick Lane is the only velodrome in the world with a green space that contains a large oak tree and a creek running through the in-field. The velodrome serves as a hub for cycling enthusiasts of all ages and skill lev- els and has become a landmark through the cycling commu- nity locally and nationally. 2. The Georgia Sports Park, a privately owned sports field complex, provides endless recreational opportunities for locals and visitors looking for a little friendly competition including nature trails, baseball fields, pickleball courts, indoor basket- ball courts, and multiple high quality natural grass soccer fields. A new 6,000-square foot sustainable pavilion has been recently completed. The pavilion includes a classroom, rest- rooms, shower facilities, concession stand, office space and storage. The park serves as a hub for community engagement and social interaction. It hosts various events, tournaments, and leagues throughout the year, bringing the community together and fostering a sense of camaraderie among sports enthusiasts. A CREATIVE HUB: 3. East Point has become an ideal backdrop for film and television production With Tyler Perry Studios nearby and its status as a state designated Georgia camera-ready community, East Point has served as a film location for several award-win- ning films and television series including "Stranger Things," "Ozark," "The Walking Dead," "The Wonder Years," "Hidden Figures" and many more. Be on the lookout for film sets as production activity is happening regularly in East Point. 4. Three world-renowned black-owned art venues call East Point home. Celebrating and supporting black-owned art ven- ues like ArtsXchange, Black Art in America and Ballethnic not only fosters creativity within the community, but also puts East Point on the map as a vibrant center for artistic innova- tion and cultural exchange for artists and art enthusi- asts. Visitors to the area can enjoy live performances, art exhibitions and cultural events to get a true taste of the talent that flows throughout the area. 5. Tri-Cities High School has a remarkable history of nurturing and producing incredible talents in the performing arts. A diverse array of successful individ- uals has walked the high school's infamous halls including Andre 3000 and Big Boi from Outkast, Kandi Burruss, Gorilla Zoe, Tina Harris, Kenan Thompson, among others. When visiting East point, be sure to make your way to The Old Lady Gang: A Southern Eatery where Tri- Cities High School grad Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker are serving up her favorite family recipes. 6. A PLACE BUSINESS CALLS HOME: Did you know that Georgia's only kombucha craft brew- ery is in East Point? Atlanta Utility Works, an abandoned fac- tory with a rich history, has been given new life and now serves Georgia's first hard kombucha brand. Cultured South's Fermentation Company, Pure Abundance, and Golda Kombucha have come together to create this one-of-a-kind space featuring a brewery, taproom, and event space. 7. Three delicious restaurants are making their mark on East Point's diverse culinary scene with Eat My Biscuits, Rosie's Café and Arise Breakfast Café all wel- coming guests from near and far for what some call the best meal of the day brunch.